When the Libyan leader came to Spain in 2007, there were fears he would severely embarrass the Socialist government. But while Zapatero faced criticism for welcoming Gaddafi, the guest created more of a stir with his personal quirks than his public comments.

Usually when voters go to the polls they have an idea about competing politicians’ policies, and only a vague idea about which of them is going to win. But when Spaniards vote in early elections in one month’s time, they will know, almost for sure, who will win, though they’ve got only the faintest clue as to what that might mean.

The small club from the Mediterranean coast has set Spain and Europe alight with its attractive brand of football in the last few seasons. But recently, Juan Carlos Garrido’s side seem to have lost their way, with both results and style slipping out of their reach.

The football world champions look likely to head to next year’s European Championship as favourites. An enviable talent pool and Vicente del Bosque’s cunning use of it mean Spain can confidently aim for a third major title in a row.